4.6
Quality2.5
Difficulty88%
Would Retake100
Reviews88%
Would Retake
100
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
74
4
21
3
4
2
1
1
0
What Students Say
“This class was very enjoyable, the professor teaches with a lot of enthusiasm and energy”
HST103 - 5.0 rating“I highly recommend taking one of his classes”
HIST357 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
85%
Textbook Required
25%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.18 avg changeRatings by Course
HST301
5.0
(1)HST202
5.0
(1)HIS101
5.0
(1)HIS215
5.0
(1)S
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
S
4.0
RUSSIAN
4.0
HST210
4.0
HISSECT
4.0
HST392
4.0
Reviews (100)
No Comments
No Comments
He is the hottest teacher I have ever seen :)
No Comments
very passionate about history. kinda rubs off on you.
easy class, but he doesn't know a good paer when he sees one.
This guy is great. Take him for any class you can.
Soooooooooo hot. On top of that, he is passionate and interesting about the subject he teaches. The class requires reading, papers, and some maps quizes, and tests. It is not an easy grade, but it's not too difficlut either. Oh, and that smile...
What is he doing at UMass? Easily the best teacher I have come across. Makes even people who despise history love it and learn a lot. I dare the biggest history-haters to take his course and not like it.
ALL I CAN SAY IS HOTT!!!
hot teacher, great guy, interesting class...take him if you can
Brilliant guy and a pretty easy class, its pretty clear what he wants. He is, though, so out of touch when it comes to students. If you need help he tries to shrugg you off pretty quickly.
Not the most organized class I ever took, but interesting, easy, and Williams is a very enthusiastic educator. I would recommend taking this class if you need to take a history.
I had him for World Civ I, and Realm of Islam. He teaches in a way you remember, and his goal is for you to learn, not to fail you. As long as you have half a brain you should walk out of his class with an A.
Good professor. Very passionate about history. His lectures are awesome, his class is never boring. If you put effort into his class you should get an A. A little disorganized at times.
this is easily my favotite teacher.
Very interesting lectures, makes learning fun, makes jokes! Nice enough guy, but somewhat disorganized...took him 3 weeks to return a short map quiz! Despite that, his classes are always packed...that should tell you something! Not bad to look at either;)
Gorgous! and so interesting! Knows so much and he has been everywhere. Enjoyed the class a lot and did well for my grades :) I Love HiM!
Def. a looker and his intelligence makes him that much hotter. Enjoyed his class BUT his exams are a little difficult and he gives no study guide or anything to help and the books for the course are interesting but most of it assigned in the last few weeks of school. Def. would take again though.
Very good teacher. Talked a little bit fast, but his lectures were always interesting. Hes wicked hot!!
this man is awesome.
hottttt and sooo goood!
Brian Williams is my hero, if you are not retarded you will like his classes and do good, he needs to lay off the turtlenecks though
HOT. So interesting. Makes his classes fun and entertaining.
unfair grader!!! that's all i have to say...doesn't give any credit to people who actually show up everyday and trust me it's not too many. has alot of passion in his teaching and is energetic and oh yeah, not too bad on the eyes either
Well, I thought his lectures were educational until I was looking at the Quran and found that everything he said contradicts actual Islam; I think he's biased. I wouldn't suggest he teach if he doesn't teach the truth. He degrades the religion and ignores important points while emphasizing points that have little material. Oh yeah so disorganized
Possesses great first hand knowledge of Central Asia, politics, characters, and history of the region. Lively lectures with use of multi-media presentations. Fair grader, but slow in returning papers and tests.
He is definately a man full of knowlege. Looks and brains do go hand in hand for this professor. I took a couple classes with him and his teaching/grading/testing methods are predictable. Just take good notes and write whatever he says down and memorize it for the final and midterm and you'll end up with the class with an A!!
Have had two classes w/ prof. Williams and have learned so much more than i have in any other history class to date
No Comments
Best prof. I have had. Knows exactly what he is talking about and tells you exactly what you need to know. I'd take him for any class.
One of the best professors at UMD. He really loves his job and makes what he's teaching interesting, even if it's the most boring subject. I learned a ton in his class and as long as you actually go to class, you'll pass.
I love this professor. Hes really a great teacher, and ohmygodwhatahotty! Sometimes he talks to fast but I really like the class.
Makes you earn your grade but makes the subject real interesting.You have to read and study but his class is great. Will definatly take again.
If there is a small country in Eastern Europe/Siberia that no 1 can pronounce, he has been there. The workload is very reasonable & has more to do with in-class lectures then it does the readings. He brings in a lot of his experiences from where he lived & has plenty of good jokes to go along with it.
Awsome teacher! I am a history hater but he really got me into it. He gives two map quizes, a midterm and a final. SO EASY! He is a good looking guy too and wears really nice clothes. Makes history interesting by telling it like a story teller. Has visuals and first hand experiences. He has been everywhere it seems and loves to tell you about it.
Im not a history major, but i took two classes with Brian and i loved them. He totally knows what hes talking about and loves the subject. He makes you want to learn more about the things hes passionate about. Two thumbs up for him
Blah, forgot the course number. Anyway, VERY nice guy. IS VERY passionate, and every other sentence is a joke (about the topic). Even people who hate history love his classes. All we had were two EASY map tests, a midterm, and a final. Knows EVERYTHING about the Middle East, Central Asia, Russia, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe. Young and energetic
Awesome class, and really good professor. Makes class really interesting and has been to most of the countries he talked about. This was my favorite class at umd so far. One 10 page paper, midterm and final. attendence is not taking. A lot of reading. I am taking him again!
Dr. Williams made me want to be a history teacher. It's hard to have passion about something when every teacher is so boring. He's excited about the stuff he teaches, funny as hell, and a brilliant guy. Just do me a favor and stop taking his classes! They fill up in about a day, so pick em early. A++. Best teacher I've ever had.
No Comments
Really interesting and informed. Really knows how to back up his statements with facts. Zero bias exept against uninformed rhetoric. Will definatly take him next semester. Tests are not bad as long as you read. Cool lectures and movies.
I loved Williams so much, I took another class with him. He doesn't take attendance, but it's worth going to class anyway. He knows what he's talking about and almost made me want to switch majors. Williams is fantastic!
Very Enthusiastic.
I want to be Professor Williams. Being in his class is the next best thing to being Indiana Jones. He's SO energetic. He cancelled class early to go advise the government on Iraq, he's interviewed Taliban members, he can talk forever on Chechen genocide. His classes are info-packed and you have to do the reading, but his style is laid back.
Professor Williams is awesome. His class on Afghanistan and Taliban was great. He loves essay exams, must do readings!! Great teacher.... very hot...
Took history of the Ottoman Empire with Prof Willaims- prior to the class i didnt even know WHAT the Ottoman Empire was. He's AMAZING. He knows SOO much about history and other cultures, and knows it from THEIR point of view, rather than an outsider looking in. Especially with the current events in the Middle East, his class was invaluable- I learn
He is a great teacher. first of all, buy the books, you'll need them. He likes to put questions on the test about things that you should have read, including the online readings. He loves to show movies, which is cool because we got to watch current movies like 300.
Absolutely amazing!! He's a great professor, take him if you have the chance! Lectures can be a little jumpy and he missed class several times but class sessions were always fascinating, the time passed so quickly! Make sure you do the reading, he likes you to prove you've read on the tests. Come to class, do the readings and you'll be fine!
I love mr williams. he's a great professor, easy to understand and fun to listen to. he really brings history to life.
A mind-blowing class, and an incredible professor. You'll never look at the world the same way after taking a Williams class. You'll come out with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and understanding of other nations. He truly knows his stuff re: the Middle East/Central Asia. You MUST do the reading to pass, but the books are good.
Best teacher I have ever had. He is absolutely amazing. No matter what the subject is, he will get you enthralled into it where you will preach to people about. Definitely made me want to be a history major. You have do to the reading, and come to class. But trust me, you will want too. Super hot too and dresses fresh to death ;)
He is an amazing teacher he made me want to become a history major he is wicked sexy too
best professor you will ever have. williams goes to the countries he teaches about over summer so he knows an incredible amount about his subject. makes his classes really interesting, youll actually want to go. you need to read the books. hes sexy too.
Taking a class with Professor Williams is like being taught by Indiana Jones. It's definitely worth taking, I learned more in his class than in any other I've taken at UMASS. You have to do the reading, but the books are really good. And if you miss one class, you will miss a lot. But most people don't want to because class is so much fun.
Absolute best professor I have ever had. This man lives what he teaches and actively loves educating students on current affairs and the world. I've taken three classes with him, he grades fairly, and bases all of his tests on the class readings and lecture notes. If you go to Umass take one of his classes, he is an absolute asset to the school.
Dr. Williams is a great professor and will keep you interested in the class. I am currently taking him for Al Qaeda and Modern Terrorism and this guy really knows his stuff! Very passionate and explains everything so students should never feel lost. Attendance is mandatory and his exams are blue book and easy so long as you pay attention in class.
Best teacher Umass Dartmouth has
Brian is a cool interesting guy. he takes history and brings it to life! The class was very interesting and i enjoyed it alot. his tests are difficult. there are 4 books and you need them all. you will fail without the books you need to quote parts of the readings on exams. 2 map quizes were easy. nice guy and not a bad class. 6-7 page paper too.
The most knowledgeable and interesting professor I've had at UMD. Take his class. It will change your life.
One of the few classes at Umass D where I actually looked forward to going. Professor Williams is very engaging and makes class fun. Like others have said, if you want to do well you have to go to class and do the readings.
He is a really good professor, and i had an A+ all up until the last weeks. We had an 8 page paper and he said he give feedback if we turned it in ahead, but i never got that feedback. So he's not great with feedback but still a good prof who LOVES his job. Recommend!!
Have taken a few classes with Professor Williams and I can honestly say they were the best classes I've taken at the University and I'm not even a History major! An absolute asset to the UMass Dartmouth community. Every student should take a class with him! Truly brings everything to life.
Dr. Williams is a very nice and knowledgeable professor. He talks fast, and it can be difficult to understand what he says at times. Attendance is mandatory but not hard because his class is very interesting. Definitely recommend taking a class with him. Got a B and read a total of maybe 10 hours all semester.
such a smart knowledgeable teacher always ready to help. Interesting class. quizzes are easy he gives many ways to show you know the information. BEST CLASS I HAVE TAKEN
This class was very enjoyable, the professor teaches with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. You'll leave class the first day thinking he talks wayyyyyy too fast but you get used to it. The tests are pretty easy and you get to really show how much you know. TAKE IT!!
Dr. Williams is most definitely my favorite professor at this school. He is absolutely brilliant and knows everything about the subject he teaches. Reading is definitely necessary to success. The world needs more professors and people like him. He made me passionate about the subject he teaches. I looked forward to going to every single class.
I'd heard great things about Williams before taking the class, and he definitely lived up to expectations. He has so much real-world experience to compliment his lectures, and the class is always interesting. I gained so much perspective on the wars in the Middle East.
Hands down the best professor at UMD. His classes on Central Asian History and Terrorism in the Mid. East were fascinating. I looked forward to each and every class and was very disappointed when he cancelled(which was often). He is extremely energetic and helpful. He feeds off positive energy form his students. Also extremely intelligent. Take him
Best professor at UMD! Don't miss taking him!!!!!
Professor William's only tough policy is on his attendance. If you miss three classes you fail. He holds two a week on the course I took, but if you show up it's flawless. Extra Credit Galore for doing the reading, he wants you to show off! The class I took was HST Major specific. It was all about Barbarians, and very inspiring.
Fun professor, knows how to make a class be interested in what he's teaching. Cool guy. Serious when needed but very helpful, will be there for you
I took professor WIlliams Eastern Empires course and it was perhaps the best class I have taken in all my years at UMD. The material I learned is unforgettable. Take it yourself to find out more. Williams is a kind, hilarious, and unforgettable educator that goes, literally, over mountains to bring his students the most in depth and enjoyable class
A legend among men. He has been to some of the most dangerous places in the middle east and lived to tell the tale. He will make you forget about people like the Kardashian's and help you focus on real life. Take his class. DO IT. For Real. Enroll RN.
Professor Williams' classes offer great depth and insight into the history of the Middle East and the extremist groups which plague the area. I have taken both Empires in Central Asia and History of Terror in the Middle East and they were easily two of my favorite classes I ever took at Umass Dartmouth.
He is hands down the best professor I have ever taken and is the best class as well. I had him for the Terrorism in the Middle East class. I think everyone should take him as a professor and this class as well. You will pass as long as you read, he hates students that do not read and will call you out on your test if you don't. amazing class
This was honestly my favorite class at the University, The lectures were very informative and eye opening. Attendance is mandatory to understand material, overall a fantastic lecturer, Will be in your top five favorite professors you've had.
This guy is amazing, he is the best prof. at UMass Dartmouth even if you aren't a history major take as many classes as you possible can with him, you'll learn more than you could ever imagine
Awesome guy with incredible stories. Come to class, pay attention and ask a few questions. He loves participation and makes absolutely sure everyone is doing their readings. The books are essential to passing the class, as his exams draw directly from them.
Awesome professor. Extremely knowledgeable and cares about what he teaches. There are times you'll leave class amazed at some of the content he teaches. Semester consists of easy map quiz, quick one-on-one meeting in his office for mid term, four page paper final and 10 page paper due at end of semester which is easy if you have been reading.
I am not a history buff at all, but this was such an eye opening class. A lot of work for an elective, but if you go to class and do the readings then you'll be fine. It was nice to finally have a professor that doesn't just read off of powerpoints or practically have you teach yourself. He makes you want to go to class, because its so interesting.
Professor Williams is an incredibly passionate & caring man. I had to miss a week of classes & he was incredibly understanding/accommodating. Even if you arent a history buff youll get into what he teaches because his excitement is infectious. He knows his stuff - hes lived it & studied it for decades. I highly recommend taking one of his classes!
William's is THE professor to take a class with at UMD. Honestly the best classes I've taken at this school. He keeps class interesting and takes you on a journey as he's teaching. Made me passionate about a subject I had little interest in. Great teacher. Don't hesitate, his classes fill up quick!
I promise you, you won't regret this course. Williams was the BEST professor I have had at UMass Dartmouth. Being a CJS major, I was skeptical to take a History Elective but it absolutely was worth it. Read the books, they're actually very entertaining and interesting. If you don't, you'll struggle. If you don't believe my words, check his rating.
I am a Psychology major and I took Dr. Williams class as an elective. He is as passionate of a professor as you will find. Every place he teaches you about he has been too and experienced first hand. Attendance is not mandatory but class notes are crucial especially if your going to slack on the readings. Very knowledgeable and awesome teacher.
He is nice and Cares for students and will help you if you're willing to put effort BUT if you do not like history or a non-history major can be boring tends to ramble He does not upload slides you have to be present to take notes and his notes can be all over the place He does offer extra credit Will do good if you pay attention and Read
I can't recommend his classes enough especially for non-majors. The content is great for anyone with an interest in the Middle-East and Central Asia, PSC majors especially. If you have an interest in journalism, these courses are great for exposure to current events. The reading can be a lot but I found it all to be enjoyable. Good discussion too.
Dr. Williams is a very passionate and knowledgeable professor. I had some issues related to COVID and he let me take the mid term several weeks late. I was nervous, honestly, and he gave me time to rack my brain. Incredibly patient and compassionate. The main thing here is - there is a LOT of reading, and your grade depends on if he knows you read
Dr. Williams is a top-quality professor! He is hilarious, extremely knowledgable (with real-life experience, and interesting. He does not sugar coat the truth and makes you see topics from multiple angles. I would certainly recommend taking his courses but you must read to pass, space out your reading so you don't cram it all in last minute.
Dr. Williams is an excellent and rare professor. He is one of the few instructors who will teach modern history and really shows how it impacts the world. He has real experience on what he lectures and writes about in his books. He has worked with various agencies/local groups in Middle Eastern Countries in the effort to prevent and study terrorism
Probably my favorite professor at Umass! One of the most inspirational people ever. He taught me so much in just a few months. Lots of reading but his books are good. He's also very understanding, and has a ton of experience in the countries he teaches about. I'm a Psych major and want to minor in History now bc of him. Great guy.
Its like having Indiana Jones as a professor, but low-key cooler. Really knowledgeable, with real experience, and so excited to teach you about it. Loves to talk and answer questions and his classes are fascinating. Lots of reading and writing, but def worth it and he works with you. Take his class!!
Professor Williams is such an amazing professor! He doesn't give you boring dates to memorize, instead, he teaches you the fun parts of history like the battles and leaders, and is very passionate about the subject. He's had real experiences in some of the countries and taught me the importance of maps. If you love history, take his classes!
Good professor, really knows what he is talking about, can be condescending, says stuff like "you need to know this to have an intelligent conversation," then mentions a random battle from 500 BC. Tests are essay heavy and you must describe things in detail, there are long papers, novels, and a Netflix series you need to keep up with to pass class.
Draws a LOT on the board and pretty much only lectures, sometimes using slides He is VERY passionate and an amazing and super cool person. You'll think you are unprepared for an exam, but end up getting an A+ anyways Very fair professor that gives captivating lectures even for non-majors. Mandatory attendance but he doesnt always take it
I don't know how he doesn't have a perfect rating. He has the easiest class and if you pay attention you will end his class with an A+. He is extremely funny and has a wonderful personality. I got to meet with him outside of class to get a missing assignment and he shows how much he cares about his job. If you need a HST class take Prof Williams.
Professor Williams is passionate about history and makes the class engaging, even for non-majors. Attend lectures, take notes, and read the textbook - it's essential to do well. Unstuck ai is a great study tool that complements the class well.
Professor Williams feels like a modern-day Indiana Jones; he will challenge you, fascinate you and respect all the efforts that you make to excel in your class. Also, he will not be afraid to admit the truth and secrets of rather gruesome material. He will treat you more like a friend than a student. A shining star overall. ,
Williams is the GOAT. Makes class very fun, engaging, and worth going to every lecture. He makes it extremely clear what he wants from you as a student and the grading and assignments are very fair. Also a great guy who will work with you if you have other things going on.
he's extremely condensanding with the way he speaks about certain topics, goes on extreme rambles for 30-45 minutes out of the entire classtime, no hw besides exams and doesn't show what your grade is in real time. he's extemely passionate though, and wants you to pass. i wouldn't take his clasd again due to how strict he can be, but he's not bad
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
85%
Textbook Required
25%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.18 avg changeRatings by Course
HST301
5.0
(1)HST202
5.0
(1)HIS101
5.0
(1)HIS215
5.0
(1)S
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
S
4.0
RUSSIAN
4.0
HST210
4.0
HISSECT
4.0
HST392
4.0