Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Propaedeutics \Pro`p[ae]*deu"tics\, n.
   The preliminary learning connected with any art or science;
   preparatory instruction.

Source : WordNet®

propaedeutics
     n : a course that provides and introduction to an art or science
         (or to more advanced study generally) [syn: {propaedeutic}]