Jerry Kolwinska was named Chair of Maranatha’s Humanities Department in June of 2009. He has taught English and Education courses at Maranatha since 1994, and previously taught 21 years at two Christian schools. Teaching is Mr. Kolwinska’s passion. "I often find myself walking across the campus marveling that God has given me this great opportunity to impact the lives of the next generation of Christian leaders," he said. "I can’t imagine any other ministry that could be as satisfying and rewarding as the one God has given to me here at Maranatha." Kolwinska has earned master’s degrees in English Education and Educational Administration.

Why take a Humanities major?

Are you curious about the influence of human thought and relationships on civilization throughout history? Do you want to have a well-rounded degree that gets your foot in the door of graduate school or gives you transferable skills that are attractive to employers?

Maranatha’s Humanities programs follow the traditional model of a college education, teaching students how to learn, think logically, and communicate effectively—all with a biblical worldview.

Building on the foundation of the Biblical Studies core and the General Studies core, the department offers a Humanities major with tracks in Applied Science, Cross-Cultural Studies, Letters, or Liberal Arts, an English major, and minors in English, History, Spanish, TESOL, and Writing. Designed to educate broadly rather than train narrowly, a Humanities degree is one of the best programs you can take to prepare for future specialization in any of more than 7,000 graduate programs offered in universities nationwide.

A Humanities major is an excellent way to prepare for a ministry that requires graduate school. Many professional schools, including seminary, law school, or graduate business programs, are looking for students with a bachelor's degree from a broad, liberal arts program--in other words, they are looking for Humanities majors. 

Alumni Focus

Daniel Davis has been a City Councilman in Jacksonville, Fla., since April of 2003. The 1996 Maranatha graduate in General Studies was council President in 2007-08 and has been a member of several key committees. Davis is employed as Executive Director of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. "I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to serve the citizens of Jacksonville and the members of the Northeast Florida Builders Association," Davis said. "I know Maranatha played a critical role in my personal development and public career, and I appreciate all those who took time to guide me in the right direction."

Department Objectives

1. Helping students develop effective communication skills.
2. Fostering an appreciation for diverse culture, attitudes, and values, and their influences upon civilization throughout history with an emphasis on the importance of the Judeo-Christian foundations of western culture.
3. Knowing and valuing literature as the expression of thoughts, concerns, and conditions of humanity.
4. Understanding basic historical events and themes which have affected the world.
5. Providing foundational knowledge and skills for working with and understanding people.
6. Appreciating America’s God-given freedoms and heritage, and taking seriously Christian responsibility to protect and promote these benefits through civic involvement.