The course aims to provide the main tools for acquiring the economic analysis dimension of development processes. From this point of view, the following educational objectives are set in the specific: frame development in its general definition and in its various meanings; foster the learning of the main theoretical contributions related to development economics models, both in the field of traditional theories and with reference to innovative or critical contributions with respect to the "mainstream"; encourage the learning of some key issues of development policy, with main, but not exclusive, reference to economic issues; supply the students with individual tools for economic and social analysis of issues relating to development (indices, calculations, numerical analyzes); commit the students (attending and non-attending) to the direct reading of scientific literature (articles, essays, papers, etc.); invite the students (attending students) to write a paper on a topic of their choice concerning development policy.