"There seems to be in seminars, from what I can see, less discussion than we would have," he says. "There's more of a sense of people presenting a position than people jointly inquiring."

When he first began teaching his graduate seminar on the philosophy of science last semester, Maudlin says, he had trouble getting the graduate students to contribute ideas to the discussion.

"I had to be extremely provocative," Maudlin says. "It was a few sessions before they said anything."

Enjoying the Visit

Harvard's reputation is undeniably one draw for visiting faculty. In addition, visitors get research privileges at the world's largest University library collection.

Coleman notes that Widener Library has useful material that Trinity College lacks.

"The Widener library is much larger than Trinity and has excellent international holdings, whereas Trinity's strength is especially in British and Irish publications," she says.

Finney also praises Widener's resources.

"The facilities at Harvard, above all the library system, are superior to those I have experienced elsewhere," she says.

For some professors, however, the ability to work within a certain department has a strong influence on their decision. Kahn says he chose to come to Harvard because of the quality of economics department.

"I think the major factor was the opportunity to eat tacos at Loker Commons," he jokes.

"The second factor is that Harvard's economics department is outstanding."