He's obviously very passionate about what he teaches and really cares about the quality of education he gives to his students. I was genuinely interested in the lectures that he gave, even though the content wasn't relevant to my major.Rate My Professors ↗
Current instructor
William Aylward
What students say
Original student reviews · all captured dates
He is a great teacher with tons of knowledge. Sometimes lectures can get a little into a rant, but I was interested in Greek mythology and learned a ton from him. Only grades are 2 midterms, a final, and discussion attendance, so make sure you study. Definitely would take again.Rate My Professors ↗
Professor Aylward is one of those professors who is so excited to teach on a topic he is so passionate about, and it really makes you like it too. Lots of reading, but manageable. He's pretty funny, too. I'm glad I took 203.Rate My Professors ↗
I took his class last spring and still can recite the greek mythology I learned. I am not a classics major yet I loved the class so much. He is one of the best professors I've ever had. Do yourself a favor and sign up for one of his classes. What an amazing professor!Rate My Professors ↗
I loved this class, not going into the field or anything just took it for credits but I'm glad I did. I love when a professor actually shows the passion they have for topics and that is exactly him. I genuinely learned a lot and I could put this class on the back burner when I got busy. Highly Recommend.Rate My Professors ↗
actual goat he is very passionate about what he teaches and i always attended lectures bc he made them interesting. not a super hard class just a lot of reading (i like greek/roman mythology though so it was p fun for me). sparknotes summaries will be your friend for this classRate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
Classes with William Aylward
Explores the art and archaeology of ancient Greece from the Bronze Age through the Hellenistic period.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
William Aylward is described as enthusiastic and witty, making lectures engaging through storytelling and humor. Reviewers note his expertise and care for student success, finding his presentations helpful for understanding the material.
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Fall 2025Explores the art and archaeology of ancient Greece from the Bronze Age through the Hellenistic period.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
CLASSICS 120 covers fakes and forgeries in classical antiquities, teaching art historical analysis and ethical discussion.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
William Aylward demonstrates strong passion for the subject matter, which reviewers find engaging and educational. The course is described as manageable for busy students, allowing them to put it on the back burner, and is highly recommended for those seeking credits.
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2025–Fall 2025 · limited sampleSenior Honors Thesis
3 creditsCLASSICS 681 is a senior-level mentored study course for students completing honors theses in Classics.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
Senior Thesis
3 creditsCLASSICS 691 is an individual mentored study course for seniors completing theses, arranged with a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
Directed Reading
1–3 creditsCLASSICS 699 is a directed reading course offering independent study arranged with a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
ILS 203 explores the development of literature and the arts in the ancient and medieval world, examining works from Egypt, Troy, Athens, Rome, and Florence within their societal and intellectual contexts.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
William Aylward is described as passionate and engaging, though some reviewers find his speaking style difficult to follow or his lectures disorganized. While many students find the course manageable through reading, others report that exams cover excessive material or include untaught content. Recent reviews generally recommend the class, contrasting with earlier criticisms of organization.
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Fall 2025Individual Research Thesis
1–12 creditsLATIN 890 is an individual research thesis course providing mentored reading, writing, and research for students with dissertator status.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
Recorded teaching history
Explore courses taught by this instructor →Browse recorded courses
| Term | Course | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | ARTHIST/CLASSICS 300 | The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Greece |
| Fall 2026 | ARTHIST/CLASSICS 700 | The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Greece |
| Fall 2026 | CLASSICS 120 | Fakes, Forgeries, and the Ethical Problems in Classical Antiquities |
| Fall 2026 | CLASSICS 681 | Senior Honors Thesis |
| Fall 2026 | CLASSICS 691 | Senior Thesis |
| Fall 2026 | CLASSICS 699 | Directed Reading |
| Fall 2026 | ILS 203 | Western Culture: Literature and the Arts I |
| Fall 2026 | LATIN 890 | Individual Research Thesis |
Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
Instructor identity & provenance
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