By virtue of section 14, paragraph 1 no. 1 and 4 of the Partial Basic Regulations (Teilgrundordnung) dated October 27, 1998 (FU Memoranda No. 24/1998) the faculty council of the Department of Philosophy and Humanities issued the following rules and regulations for the doctoral studies program "Languages of Emotions" at Dahlem Research School of Freie Universität Berlin (DRS) on May 7, 2008*):

• Section 1 Area of Validity
• Section 2 Components and Objective of the Doctoral Studies Program
• Section 3 Admission Requirements, Application and Selection Procedures
• Section 4 Selection Interviews
• Section 5 Structure of Doctoral Studies Program, Standard Study Period, Languages of Instruction
• Section 6 Organization of Doctoral Studies Program, Competent Authorities
• Section 7 Student Workload
• Section 8 Academic Research Project
• Section 9 Doctoral Studies Program, Teaching and Learning Courses
• Section 10 Acquiring Skills in the Subdiscipline Knowledge Transfer
• Section 11 Acquiring Skills in the Subdiscipline Research Management
• Section 12 Acquiring Skills in Foreign Languages Relevant to the Subdiscipline
• Section 13 Reporting Obligations, Completion and Dropout from the Doctoral Studies Program
• Section 14 Commencement
• Appendix 1: Sample Curriculum
• Appendix 2: Overview of the Requirements
• Appendix 3: Supervisor Agreement (Sample)
• Appendix 4: Template for the Certificate
• Appendix 5: Template for the Transcript of Records

These Rules and Regulations govern the admission prerequisites, application and selection procedures, as well as the requirements for content, structure, goals, organization and performance for the doctoral studies program "Languages of Emotion" at Dahlem Research School (DRS) of Freie Universität Berlin (Doctoral Studies Program).

(1) The doctoral studies program consists of academic research, with special emphasis on writing a dissertation, and academic course work as defined in section 9, paragraph 1 and sections 10 through 12, and the elements of the supervisory program.
(2) The objective of the doctoral studies program is to promote excellence in academic research by providing excellent doctoral education for outstanding researchers. Both the academic program and the course requirements pursuant to section 9, paragraph 1 and sections 10 through 12 as well as participation in the supervisory program offered are designed to achieve this objective. In addition to conveying specialized academic skills, the doctoral programs shall also aim to impart key general qualifications in the fields of knowledge transfer, research management and foreign language skills. The doctoral studies program is designed to promote a cooperative working environment between disciplines and to prepare students in particular for academic positions at universities, research institutes and other positions scientific in nature at private and public institutions and civil society.

(1) The application deadline and the commencement dates for doctoral studies shall be determined based on the proposal by the Representative in charge of implementing the doctoral studies in consultation with DRS. In justified exceptional cases, applications may be considered at another time if it is deemed possible and reasonable to commence studies at that time and provided that two university professors involved in the doctoral studies program give their approval.

(2) The faculty council shall name a Selection Commission. Its members shall be appointed by the Dean on behalf of the Executive Board of the University. It shall consist of the following members:
- The Director of the graduate school as the chairperson,
and
- Five other university professors, who are involved in conducting the doctoral studies program as members with voting privileges,

as well as
- A student of the doctoral studies program in an advisory capacity.

When appointing members with voting privileges, appropriate consideration should be given to the other departments involved in the doctoral studies program.

(3) The program manager and a representative appointed by the women's representatives of the departments involved in the doctoral studies program shall attend the meetings of the Selection Commission in an advisory capacity. The members with voting privileges shall hold a term of office for three years, the student member for one year. Re-election to said office is possible.

(4) The admission requirements are as follows:

• a) A written declaration by the authorized Doctoral Committee stating that admission for doctoral studies is possible.
• b) Outstanding potential for academic performance and development.
• c) All applicants who are neither native English speakers and who have earned the degree required for admission to the doctoral program at an educational institution with English as the language of instruction are required to submit proof of their proficiency in English equal to a B 2 level as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or proof of equivalent proficiency in English. The Selection Commission shall decide on equivalency on a case-by-case basis.
• d) All applicants who are neither native German speakers and who have earned adegree at a university abroad or at an educational institution of equal standing, shall be required to provide proof of their full ability to study in the language of instruction by having passed the German language exam required for university admission(DSH) with a grade of DSH 2 or equivalent proficiency in the language as defined by the rules and regulations governing the German language exam for university admission of foreign applicants at Freie Universität Berlin. The Selection Commission shall decide on equivalency on a case-by-case basis.
• e) Submission of a tabular overview of activities and experiences relevant to the doctoral studies program chosen by the applicant.
• f) A short, convincing justification for the candidate's motivation in applying to the doctoral studies program.
• g) A brief presentation of the planned dissertation project.
• h) If applicable, attendance at a selection interview according to section 4.

(5) Applicants are to submit a written application for the doctoral studies program including the certificates and documents as defined in paragraph 3, letters b) through g) to the chairperson of the Selection Commission by the application deadline defined in paragraph 1.

(6) The Selection Commission shall select applicants for admission to the doctoral program based on the written application documents and, as the case may be, based on the selection interview pursuant to section 4 on the applicant's acceptance to the doctoral studies program. The most qualified applicants may be permitted by the Selection Commission to submit missing certificates or documents at a later date. In cases of doubt, the Commission may request applicants to supply additional information in written or oral form. The names of applicants deemed suitable for admission to doctoral studies shall be submitted by the Selection Commission to the executive board of Freie Universität Berlin (Applications and Admissions Department).

(7) If, after completion of the selection procedure, there are more suitable applicants than vacant places, the Selection Commission shall draw up a ranking list of applicants. In the process, the following requirements shall be considered:

• a) Grades scored in previous academic degrees and other achievements
• b) Quality of the proposed dissertation project
• c) The applicant's previous professional and practical experience relevant to the doctoral studies program
• d) Experience abroad.When there are several applicants of equal ranking, the successful applicant shall be selected by lot.

(8) Applicants selected for admission shall receive written notification stipulating deadlines for submitting confirmation of acceptance in writing and for enrollment. The places of candidates who fail to observe these deadlines shall be reallocated according to the ranking described in paragraph 6. Applicants that have been denied admission shall receive written notifications with reasons for the rejection.

(9) In the event that admission to the doctoral procedure has expired in accordance with the provisions in the Articles of Study Affairs (SfS), the acceptance to the doctoral studies program shall expire.

(1) After having reviewed the application documents, the Selection Commission may invite applicants to attend a selection interview.

(2) The invitation shall be considered to have been received in a timely fashion if posted no later than 10 working days prior to the date of the selection interview. Invitations sent to applicants residing in a foreign country shall be granted an extended period of notice as appropriate.

(3) Each of the selection interviews shall be conducted by two university professors assigned by the Selection Commission.

(4) The selection interview shall be scheduled for approximately 30 minutes.

(5) The selection interview shall be documented in a report stating the main reasons for the positive or negative evaluation of the applicant.

(1) The doctoral program shall consist of project-related and transdisciplinary academic elements (section 9). It shall also include general courses on knowledge transfer (section 10), research management (section 11) and foreign language courses (section 12).

(2) The standard study period shall consist of six semesters.

(3) The language of instruction in the doctoral studies program shall be German and English.

(1) With the consent of DRS, the Dean shall appoint a Representative who shall be responsible for conducting the doctoral studies program, typically the Director of the graduate school (section 13 of the rules and regulations for the cluster "Languages of Emotion") as well as a Deputy to the Representative, both of whom are to hold office for a term of three years respectively.

(2) The Representative shall conduct the day-to-day business of the doctoral studies program. In particular, the Representative shall be responsible for academic coordination. The Representative shall report to DRS with regard to how the doctoral studies progressed over the course of the previous academic year.

(3) The Representative shall ensure that individual students are assigned, with their consent, to a supervisory team. As a general rule, the supervisory team shall consist of two supervisors from the ranks of the university professors who themselves are involved in conducting the doctoral studies program. In some cases, with the consent of the respective student, the Representative may appoint a third member to the supervisory team. At least one member of the supervisory team must be a member of DRS.

(4) Based on the project related portion of the doctoral studies program, the supervisory team shall define the scope and the courses to be completed by the student, taking into consideration the measures stipulated in sections 7 through 12.

(5) Acceptance into the doctoral studies program requires the persons involved to sign a supervisor agreement as shown in Appendix 3, which shall stipulate the duties and obligations of both the student and the supervisory team. The signed agreement shall be taken on the respective file.

The workload scheduled for the student to successfully fulfill the requirements of the academic study program in compliance with section 9, paragraph 1 and sections 10 through 12 as well as complete the supervisory program of the doctoral studies program can be found in Appendix 1, while the specified requirements can be found in Appendix 2.

(1) The academic research project pursuant to section 2, paragraph 1 above shall serve to prove the student's ability to perform independent research.

(2) The curricula of the project-related portion of the doctoral studies program shall in general be based on the academic program of the cluster "Languages of Emotion".

(3) Study periods abroad generally scheduled for three months shall be considered a beneficial part of the academic research project.

(1) The project-related portion of the doctoral studies program shall include in particular the teaching and learning courses listed below:

• (a) Interdisciplinary seminars offered on the core research topics of the cluster as well as on the theories and methodology of the disciplines of concern in the cluster. The courses shall generally be conducted by two university professors. The objective of such courses shall be to convey the latest research aspects, results and methods of the disciplines of concern relevant to the cluster from an interdisciplinary perspective.
• (b) Doctoral colloquia: Attendance in colloquia shall provide students with the opportunity to continuously discuss their dissertation projects in smaller groups with other students of the doctoral studies program as well as with their supervisors.
• (c) Practical seminars: Practical seminars shall be offered in coordination with DRS and shall be closely related to the courses and seminar program offered at the graduate school. Such shall serve the purpose of conveying to the students practical skills in the field of project management, academic presentation techniques and academic teaching methods.
  In coordination with the Executive Board of the cluster, the Representative shall determine a list of lectures and seminars and list such in Freie Universität Berlin's respective Catalog of Names and Courses under a dedicated heading.
  
  

(2) Students shall be required to regularly attend and actively participate in all seminars scheduled during the academic study program with a curriculum as defined pursuant to paragraph 1 and sections 10 through 12. Requirements extending beyond the type and scope of attendance are defined further in Appendix 2. All courses shall be completed with proof in accordance with the European Credits Transfer System (ECTS).

(3) Courses offered by other graduate schools, including graduate schools abroad, research training groups of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation) as well as such offered in the form of cooperation with the Max Planck Research Schools, Collaborative Research Centers or other collaborative research initiatives and doctoral programs offered by other universities, educational and non-university institutions with the right to confer doctoral degrees may be included in the doctoral studies program in so far as they integrate achievements of equal value regarding internal requirements and teaching methods.

(4) At least 50 percent of the credit points (CP) provided for within these rules and regulations must be completed during the doctoral studies program at Freie Universität Berlin.

At regular intervals, students shall present the results of their research work at academic symposia. In addition, each respective supervisory team shall provide appropriate opportunities to their students to communicate significant findings from their research field during lectures and seminars. The goal of such is to actively prepare students for a professional teaching position at universities with a focus on disciplinary and instructional value.

Students shall gain initial insight into planning research projects and acquiring third-party funding and shall develop general skills in research management as well as in organizing and coordinating academic activities. Such skills may be acquired by actively contributing in the preparation of a research project by university professors involved in the doctoral studies program.

(1) Students who are not native German speakers are to provide certification of their proficiency in German pursuant to section 3, paragraph, letter d) and moreover are to acquire additional proficiency in German during the doctoral studies to the extent that they may fully communicate both orally and in writing in a German-speaking academic environment.

(2) Students who are not native English speakers are to provide proof of their proficiency in English pursuant to section 3, paragraph 3, letter c) and moreover are to acquire additional proficiency in English during the doctoral studies to the extent that they have the skills needed to communicate on an academic level both orally and in writing.

(1) Students shall be required to give a report at regular intervals on the progress and status of their dissertation projects in presentation seminars as described in section 9, paragraph 1, letter c). More information with regard to the form, scope and deadlines of such reports shall be stipulated in the supervisor agreements in accordance with Appendix 3.

(2) Students shall be required to prepare a written report on the progress of their dissertation projects and on the courses, symposia and workshops they attended as well as their studies abroad on an annual basis.

(3) Based on said annual report, the supervisory team shall evaluate the student's progress. The supervisory team shall assess whether the student is making adequate progress both with respect to participation in the doctoral studies program and in his or her dissertation project. In particular, they must certify that the student is successfully meeting the requirements stipulated within the rules and regulations at hand and verify that such are being fulfilled. Said requirements involve fulfilling the research tasks in a timely manner, especially completing the dissertation on time and fulfilling the requirements of the academic study program within the timeframe including the curricula as defined in section 9, paragraph 1 and sections 10 through 12 as well as taking advantage of the supervisory program. If the results of the evaluation are negative, the Representative of the doctoral studies program shall be notified accordingly in writing and reasons shall be provided in said notification.

(4) Based on the overall opinion of the supervisory team, the Representative of the doctoral studies program shall make a decision on whether the student may remain in the doctoral studies program and, depending on the outcome, may take steps to expel the student from the University. Prior to this step, the student is to be notified in due time and in writing, whereby he/she shall be informed that his/her successful completion of the dissertation is at risk. A meeting is to be held with the student concerned and the supervisory team to identify the problems and to take steps as deemed appropriate to solve the problem. The Representative of the doctoral studies program shall generally not make a decision in accordance with sentence 1 on whether the student may remain in the doctoral studies program or instead is to be expelled until after expiration of an appropriate period of time and after having heard the opinions of all parties concerned in a meeting as described in sentence 3.

(5) Any written documents relating to the students shall be filed in their respective doctoral file.

(6) Graduation certificates and transcripts of records shall be issued pursuant to Appendices 4 and 5 to students who successfully complete the doctoral studies program in accordance with the academic rules and regulations stipulated within this document.

These rules and regulations shall take effect one day after being published in the Memoranda (official register of Freie Universität Berlin).

* Diese Ordnung ist von der für Hochschulen zuständigen Senats- verwaltung am 4. Juli 2008 bestätigt worden.