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  Albert Einstein's Legacy

2005 is the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein's miraculous year in which the world first saw E=mc² and the 50th anniversary of his death. His pioneering contributions in physics are being commemorated in a worldwide celebration of physics. We will take part in this celebration of Einstein's life, science, and philosophy by exploring the impact of his revolutionary thoughts about the fabric of space and time, leading to the now common notions of concepts like black holes, worm holes and the new views of the cosmos. Einstein's legacy is a new universe in which space and time are woven into the fabric of space-time. If this were all he had done, he would not have been declared Time Magazine's "Person of the Century". Einstein also contributed to humanity in his resistance to Hitler and in his controversial support of the Atomic Bomb. In this course we will explore the life, science and philosophy of Albert Einstein and the impact he and his colleagues have had on the world as we enter the 21st century.

Topics will include a history of physics through the early twentieth century; trips into the strange worlds of relativity and quantum physics; a look into the atomic age and its impact on our way of life; an exploration of Einstein's philosophical writings; and the impact of Einstein's science on our lives and in our media; The course will include specific readings, videos and participation in campus activities celebrating the centennial of the seminal work of one of the most recognized physicists of the 20th century.