PROPAEDEUTIC
preparatory, preparative, propaedeutic
(adjective) preceding and preparing for something; “preparatory steps”
propaedeutic, propaedeutics
(noun) a course that provides an introduction to an art or science (or to more advanced study generally)
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adjective
propaedeutic (comparative more propaedeutic, superlative most propaedeutic)
Providing preparatory or introductory teaching.
Noun
propaedeutic (plural propaedeutics)
An introductory course of instruction.
Source: Wiktionary
Pro`pæ*deu"tic, Pro`pæ*deu"tic*al, a. Etym: [Gr.
Definition: Of, pertaining to, or conveying, preliminary instruction;
introductory to any art or science; instructing beforehand.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition