Propaedeutics

Propaedeutics or propedeutics is a historical term for an introductory course into a discipline, that is an art, or science. The etymology of propedeutics comprises: the Latin prefix meaning earlier, rudimentary, or in front of + the Greek: paideutikós which means "pertaining to teaching". As implied by the etymology, propaedeutics may be defined as more particularly as the knowledge necessary before, or for the learning a discipline, but not which is not sufficient for proficiency.

In medicine, the terms "propedeutics"/"propedeutic" specifically refers to preliminary collection of data about patient by observation, palpation, temperature measurement, etc., without specialized diagnostic procedures.

The 1851 Encyclopaedia Americana writes that it is:

"...a term used by the Germans to indicate the knowledge which is necessary or useful for understanding or practising an art or science, or which unfolds its nature and extent, and the method of learning it. It is applied, therefore, not only to special introductions to particular branches of study, but also to auxiliary sciences, logic, philology, etc., and the encyclopaedic views of particular branches of science which facilitate an insight into the relations of the parts. Such a survey can be presented only by one who has studied a science in all its ramifications. The term propaedeutics is often, of course, merely relative : thus philology belongs to the propaedeutics of history, while it is itself the main study of a certain class of scholars. The term, however, in its common use, is generally restricted to the body of knowledge, and of rules necessary for the study of some particular science — rules which originate in the application of the general laws of science or art to a particular department.

In the Netherlands, propedeuse is a propaedeutic diploma issued after the first year of studies, often referred to as "P" by students. Universities and universities of applied sciences are not forced by law to make use of this propaedeutic diploma, but it is quite common. The diploma is not a recognized degree and thus grants no rights outside the Dutch educational system. It has remained in use after the introduction of the Bologna process and the international bachelor-master system in the Netherlands.

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