An essay is a piece of writing where the student aims to discuss the given topic from different perspectives, presenting a critical view and using versatile scientific argumentation, leaning also on the required and relevant reference material. S/he is able to convince the reader of what and how s/he has learnt of the topic. Most course assignments are essays.

An essay is less restricted than a scientific article both in style and structure. However, the text should proceed in a systematic manner, placing emphasis on different entities. An essay is outlined in sections that are headed. The following division is the most common way to structure an essay:

1. Introduction, which introduces the subject or the problem, briefly puts the subject in context, demonstrates the viewpoint, and defines the boundaries of the discussion
2. Discussion, the structure of which depends on the chosen viewpoint (e.g. comparative structure, thesis statement and argumentation, moving from broad scale phenomena to narrow, or from theory to practice)
3. Conlusion, in which the writer(s) can draw together the central concepts of the text, further develop their thoughts, deliberate on the (practical) implications of the results, etc. A conclusion also gives the writer(s) the opportunity to reflect on what they learned during the writing process.

Be aware that essays should have a clear and coherent structure. They should be written in proper academic language, the references should be marked in the text and on the last page there should be a list of references. See the thesis guidelines for citing in the text and making the list of references.

When preparing an essay you are expected

• to clearly define and limit the theme
• to search for relevant literature yourself or use the literature given to the assignment

If the course is only independent work and the assignment is an essay you must always discuss and agree on the topic and relevant literature with the lecturer in charge.

• familiarize yourself with the literature and send your proposal of the topic/topics to the lecturer in charge
• in addition to the topic also present the contents you are planning to discuss in your essay
• after the lecturer in charge has approved your plan for the essay you can proceed with the writing process