Luring a superstar intellectual to teach at a college almost always pays off for the school. Donors love it, and the local press talks up the boldface name in its midst. But what do students think? Generally, they're pretty forgiving of celebrity - with a few exceptions. The Web site www.ratemyprofessors.com lets the kids have their say about the classrooms of the rich and famous. Here's what a few anonymous pupils wrote about people you've heard of.
Cornel West
Professor of religion, Princeton University
Other gigs: philosopher and cameo actor in the Matrix sequels
• "He's the most dynamic lecturer I've had at Princeton - I was actually excited to wake up and attend lecture each morning."
• "Make sure you grab a drink with him at the Annex."
Sally Ride
Professor of physics, University of California, San Diego
Other gig: astronaut, first American woman in space
• "Coolness factor through the roof! Decent instructor. Polite, but cool and reserved."
Noam Chomsky
Professor of linguistics, MIT
Other gigs: political philosopher, best-selling author, speaker
• "Talks just to hear himself speak."
• "This man doesn't teach. He indoctrinates."
• "Genius. Enough said."
Alan Dershowitz
Professor of law, Harvard Law School
Other gig: defense attorney
• "It's true about his arrogance, but after being in the class you will see that it is fully justified."
• "Simply amazing. You will reconsider everything."
- Adam Rogers
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