International Studies Colloquium with Ashok Rai, development economist. How do microlenders recover repayments from the poor without collateral? Many think that it is the group loan system pioneered by the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. But Grameen Bank dropped group lending in 2002, and microcredit is in the midst of a redesign. Rai's research is on how microfinance programs can reduce poverty by extending loans to people traditionally excluded from the financial sector. He has conducted fieldwork in Bangladesh, India, and Kenya. His research has been published in the Journal of Development Economics and the Review of Economic Studies. Before coming to Williams, Rai taught at Yale and Harvard.
Documentary film showing archival footage along with reflections on the fall of the Berlin Wall from four correspondents who covered the event – one from each of the major Allied powers of WWII. Directed by Jurgen Bottcher, 1990, 30 minutes. Shown in conjunction with the Center for Foreign Languages' photographic exhibit commemorating the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, "Icons of a Border: Photographic Search for Traces in Today's Berlin." Press release.
Starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. Set in L.A. in 1962, A Single Man is the story of a 52-year-old British college professor who is struggling to find meaning in his life after the death of his long time partner. Regular ticket prices apply. Images Cinema
Juliet Hooker '94, Associate Professor of Government at the University of Texas, Austin examines the political philosophy of race in the Americas. Sponsored by Political Science, Africana Studies, and Claiming Williams. For more information, contact Jim Mahon (413) 597-2236 or Neil Roberts (413) 597-4772.
With both impressionist art and lush green forests, this has been called the most culture-saturated rural spot in the nation. Discover the place we call home. More »
PeopleToday, the men and women of Williams include more than 2,100 students who occupy the center of a remarkable community. Their learning is directed and their lives are shaped by a faculty totally dedicated to undergraduate teaching. More »
Founded in 1793, Williams is the second oldest college in Massachusetts. Our rich history has shaped Williams today and traditions we hold dear. More »
AcademicsIf you’ve ever spent five days visiting ten liberal arts colleges you may never want to hear the words “small classes” or “close working relationships with professors” ever again. We have both at Williams but promise not to belabor it. More »
At Williams, self-governance is paramount, and is evident in the active role that students play in shaping campus life. So, the question becomes: What’s there to do in Williamstown?
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Your parents will be relieved to know that - sooner or later - you will begin a career and, if you’re like most of our graduates, you’ll do well, financially and otherwise. More »
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- How to Prepare for Williams
- Guidelines and Deadlines
- Online Application Instructions
- Financial Aid Information
- Apply Online
Master's Programs
- Williams is an undergraduate institution with two small but outstanding graduate programs that annually confer master's degrees in the History of Art to about a dozen students, and in Policy Economics to about two dozen.



