RU Honors Seminar "Einstein"
Fall 2004

COURSE OUTLINE

Lecturer: Prof. Jack Hughes, Busch Campus, Serin-307, Tel: (732)445-0980, e-mail: jph@physics.rutgers.edu

Textbooks: (available from the bookstore)

• Relativity: The Special and the General Theory, by Albert Einstein (required)
• Ideas and Opinions, by Albert Einstein (required)

Books on Reserve (in the Physics Library, which is on the Allison Road side of the Physics and Astronomy Building):

• Spacetime Physics, by Taylor & Wheeler
• Was Einstein Right?, by Will
• Gravity, by Gamow
• Gravity, Black Holes, and the Universe, by Nicolson
• Einstein's Universe - Gravity at Work and Play, by Yee

Overview: In this course we will explore the development of 20th century physics and astronomy through the contributions of Albert Einstein. Students will gain an understanding of special and general relativity, the development of modern physics through the 20th century, current efforts to unify the four forces that operate in the Universe, and the crucial role of Einstein's theories in modern astronomy and cosmology. At the end of the course we will look at Einstein as an icon in the world at large. This course is mainly for non-science majors, although some background in physics and mathematics will be very helpful.

Format: The course consists of 1 seminar (Periods 3 and 4) each week in room 203 of SEC (Science and Engineering Resource Center), Busch Campus.

Grading and Assessment: Final grades will be based on the following elements, weighted equally

• Attendance and class participation
• Weekly homework assignments
• Final paper

Announcements: Special announcements will be posted on the web. The home page for the course is http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/~jackph/2004f

Office Hours: You may come by Prof. Hughes' office anytime (best to phone or e-mail first) or send him questions via e-mail.

• Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability, you are urged to speak to the course supervisor early in the semester to make the necessary arrangements to support a successful learning experience. Also, you must arrange for the course supervisor to receive a letter from your College's Disability Concerns Coordinator verifying that you have a disability. A list of the College Coordinators can be found at http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~divcoaff/Disab/campuscoordin.html