Celebrity professor

Movie star and kung fu king Jackie Chan will soon gain his second title as professor, this time from the eminent Peking University. The news cheered his fans but caused many academics to shake their heads in dismay. Critics say the appointment demeans the title and shows how an obsession with celebrity has infected universities. Hong Kong Polytechnic University's tourism school conferred his first honorary professor title in January.

Peking University's arts department defended its decision, citing the actor's achievements in many box-office hits. The school puts a premium on Chan's influence in cinematic circles, and his connection would put the fledgling arts faculty on the cultural map.

Students are thrilled to have their idol grace the classroom. More importantly, Chan could open the door to dream jobs after graduation. So it seems Chan has a new assignment, promoting a university in exchange for gaining the professorship title.

A celebrity professor usually gives away his services, without a fee. Since there is no monetary compensation involved, the job description is vague, even non-existent. It is assumed that anyone who becomes an honorary professor will instinctively know what to do. And Chan does believe he has something to offer.

He told reporters he would impose a classroom smoking ban because he was a goodwill ambassador for the non-smoking cause.

He did not approve of young people speaking English among themselves, unless it was meant to improve their proficiency in the language. He detested litter, and he wanted the classroom to be clean and orderly. But such school-marmish wisdom did not impress the students.