The course acquaints students with basic concepts of development economics. It presents growth indicators, such as GDP and others, the issue of balanced and unbalanced growth and delves into poverty and inequality. At the same time, it aims to familiarize students with the concept, content and practices of international development cooperation policies. Some of the topics discussed are: how is economic development achieved? What is the difference between economic growth and economic development? Is international development assistance solely a mechanism for providing assistance to those in need, without necessarily serving political purposes? In the course students can choose to join a team responsible of writing a proposal in the context of development aid calls from the European Commission, taking the role of an NGO or a consulting company and become familiar with the relevant procedures and mechanisms.