propaedeutic

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

propaedeutic
    adj 1: preceding and preparing for something; "preparatory
           steps" [syn: {preparatory}, {preparative},
           {propaedeutic}]
    n 1: a course that provides an introduction to an art or science
         (or to more advanced study generally) [syn: {propaedeutic},
         {propaedeutics}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Propaedeutic \Pro`p[ae]*deu"tic\, Propaedeutical
\Pro`p[ae]*deu"tic*al\, a. [Gr. ? to teach beforehand; ? before
   + ? to bring up a child, to educate, teach, fr. ?, ?, a
   child.]
   Of, pertaining to, or conveying, preliminary instruction;
   introductory to any art or science; instructing beforehand.
   [1913 Webster]