Do I Want Hebrew or Hebrews ?

JonahMancini.com offers a variety of courses that differ in substantial ways.  A language course not only covers different material than a biblical studies course, but it is also taught in a different way.  Similarly, a biblical studies class will differ from a theology class.  Below, you will find general information about the different types of courses that JonahMancini.com offers.

 

Language Classes

JonahMancini.com offers instruction in Biblical Hebrew and in Koine Greek.  In addition, our instructors are also knowledgable in other languages of the ancient near east (classes such as Egyptian, Epigraphic Hebrew, Akkadian, and Aramaic may be offered on an “as requested” basis).  We offer Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Fluent levels in Biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek.  The approach to ancient languages here at JonahMancini.com is slightly different (and better, in our opinion) than at other institutions.  We believe that the best way to learn a language is to become immersed in it.  As a result, the instructor will do whatever he or she can to make the language “come alive” for the student.  Often, this involves speaking, playing games, or singing in the ancient language.  You will find that our instructors are not only extremely knowledgable in the language that they teach, but they are also very skilled at making “dead” languages come alive in fun and exciting ways.

 

A language class is more demanding than a topical class.  For example, in a language class the student must spend a considerable amount of time outside of class learning vocabulary and memorizing essential concepts.  As a general rule, the student should plan on spending one hour of study outside of class for every thirty minutes that passes in the virtual classroom.  Our language classes usually meet for one hour sessions once per week.

 

Biblical Studies Classes

Biblical studies classes usually focus on a  book or a collection of books (i.e., Jonah, or the General Epistles).  The class spends time studying the material in an in-depth manner.  Usually topics such as authorship, date, theme, plot, setting, character analysis, and historicity are studied in detail.  Additionally, biblical studies classes take time to consider theological implications of the text, although studying the text in it’s immediate context remains the priority of these courses.

 

Biblical studies classes do not demand a lot of outside work other than recommended reading.  For the most part, the student will want to read the relevant portion of the biblical text before the next class meets to discuss it.  Additionally, the student may find that certain commentaries are extremely helpful when investigating certain topics.  Biblical studies classes usually meet for one hour sessions once per week.

 

Theology Classes

Our instructors come from a variety of backgrounds.  While most instructors are Evangelical Christians, not all instructors share the same beliefs.  We firmly believe that this is a good thing.  We encourage the student to consider the value in appreciating diversity when considering studying theology.

 

Theology classes are usually focused on one specific topic (i.e., Angels and Demons).  These courses will not focus on one specific book, but rather they will consider the entire canon of Scripture as they attempt to discern what the overall message of Scripture is pertaining to that specific topic.  The instructors of these courses are very carefully screened.  We firmly believe in the ability of our theology instructors to value diversity as they study a topic.  They will not simply propagate their own theological views.

 

Theology classes require a similar amount of outside work to that of biblical studies courses.  That is to say, the student may find it useful to spend an hour or so per week reading recommended Scripture, books, and articles.  Theology classes usually meet for one hour sessions once per week.

 

Ancient Near East Studies

Ancient near eastern studies courses cover topics pertaining to the historical setting of the ancient world.  These courses are concerned with the geographical, political, and economical realities of the ancient world.  Archaeological discoveries and extra-biblical material are studied in greater depth than in a biblical studies course, although a course on the ancient near east will also likely rely on Scripture as a source for information.

 

Ancient near eastern studies classes typically require a little outside research on the part of the student.  The instructor will usually recommend a small amount of reading to be done outside of class.  However, since the nature of this reading is not narrative or Scripture, but rather it is often specific details concerning archaeological finds, it may take the student a little longer to work through the recommended reading.  These classes usually meet for one hour sessions once per week.