Susskind Stanford Lectures: Questions for Supplemental Reading

[Kidphysics]

I want to watch Susskind's Stanford lectures but don't know what kind of supplemental reading I should have. My school doesn't offer gen relativity and I know it's heavy on math. Questions are 1) Should I learn special relativity first? 2) Should I buy a book, and if so what book?

 

[yenchin]

I want to watch Susskind's Stanford lectures but don't know what kind of supplemental reading I should have. My school doesn't offer gen relativity and I know it's heavy on math. Questions are 1) Should I learn special relativity first? 2) Should I buy a book, and if so what book?

You should say something about your background and current level of understanding...

 

[Kidphysics]

You should say something about your background and current level of understanding...

This is a good point I'm basically a freshman who is finishing up calculus, going to take my first physics course after the summer.

 

[yenchin]

Susskind has lots of series from classical mechanics to cosmology, so you should start from the easier ones. I think Susskind has a series on Special Relativity? So certainly watch that before attempting his videos on GR.

I have not read this book but you might want to take a look at it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/9812771603/?tag=pfamazon01-20.

You might also enjoy Geroch's semi-popular (not much math) book https://www.amazon.com/dp/0226288641/?tag=pfamazon01-20. Don't underestimate it though, this book is not an easy reading and requires lots of thinking to digest.

It's also good to take a proper course in linear algebra (if it's not already a required course at your school).

 

[Kidphysics]

Susskind has lots of series from classical mechanics to cosmology, so you should start from the easier ones. I think Susskind has a series on Special Relativity? So certainly watch that before attempting his videos on GR.

I have not read this book but you might want to take a look at it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/9812771603/?tag=pfamazon01-20.

You might also enjoy Geroch's semi-popular (not much math) book https://www.amazon.com/dp/0226288641/?tag=pfamazon01-20. Don't underestimate it though, this book is not an easy reading and requires lots of thinking to digest.

It's also good to take a proper course in linear algebra (if it's not already a required course at your school).

thank you very much yenchin

 

[Kevin_Axion]

There's a playlist on String Theory now: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=202191442DB1B300.

 

[yenchin]

There's a playlist on String Theory now: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=202191442DB1B300.

Wow. That's great! Thanks for the info. Didn't realize that!