<p>I would like to attend a seminar on economics at Stanford some time in the next two weeks, as a way of visiting campus and also getting a feel for what academics are like. I want to know whether or not the departmental seminars are open to the public (like the ones held by visiting professors and professionals), and if so, do I have to sign up anywhere, email the professor, etc., or do I just show up?</p>
<p>Here's the link to the seminars I'm interested in attending: Weekly</a> Seminars | E c o n o m i c s</p>
<p>Current students, any information you have would be helpful!</p>
<p>i would call the economics depart and just ask if you can attend.</p>
<p>They are open to the public (with some exceptions obviously). If you are there and don’t look like a hobo no one will question your presence. </p>
<p>Don’t call anyone or email any prof. No one does that. Just show up. </p>
<p>Just don’t ask a stupid question. Then you’ll get some weird looks.</p>
<p>*I am a high school student who has attended many seminars at Stanford.</p>
<p>It depends on what you mean by “seminar.” In the context of Stanford, it’s most frequently used to indicate a small discussion-based class. These are not open to the public, unlike lectures (the other type of class that Stanford offers). The other (less common) use of the word denotes a forum or a presentation with a speaker; many if not most of these are open to the public. They often do have specific instructions for those who would like to attend (e.g. emailing someone of your intent to come, so that they can book a suitably sized room), but if they don’t, then you can assume it’s open. Some of those listed in your link indicate that they might be classes, so you should check each to make sure; you don’t want to waltz into a small discussion-based class, which would be very awkward.</p>