Choosing a DVD course for language education study isn't just about picking a topic. You also need to decide how many discs you want, whether a guidebook matters, and whether you're comfortable with a used set. These four options cover a wide range: a guided hieroglyph course, an assorted Great Courses lot, a compact lecture on human behavior, and a Spanish and Hebrew training package. The price spread runs from $9.95 to $37.99, so your budget and your learning goal both play a role.
Quick Take
The table below summarizes the four sets at a glance.
| Set | Price | Condition | Price bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Great Courses: Decoding the Secrets of Egyptian Hieroglyphs (4 DVDs & Guide | USD 25.00 | Brand New | |
| Lot Of 12 Assorted Great Courses DVDs Math, Religion, Philosophy ETC - See Video | USD 37.99 | Good | |
| GREAT COURSES - BEING HUMAN - DVD video | USD 9.95 | Like New | |
| Learn Spanish & Hebrew Fast -Complete & Comprehensive Language Course on 2 DVDs | USD 22.00 | Brand New |
Decision Matrix
- Egyptian Hieroglyphs: Choose this when you want a single structured course with a guidebook.
- Assorted Great Courses Lot: Choose this when you want variety across math, religion, and philosophy in one purchase.
- Being Human: Choose this when you want a lecture-style exploration of human behavior.
- Spanish & Hebrew: Choose this when your priority is practical language training with MP3 audio files.
Product Notes
The Great Courses: Decoding the Secrets of Egyptian Hieroglyphs (4 DVDs & Guide
This is a complete package for anyone who wants to learn to read hieroglyphs. Professor Bob Brier takes you through the writing system, and the included guidebook supports the four-disc set. The widescreen presentation and standard jewel case are straightforward. One clear reason to choose this set is its structure: a single topic, a real professor, and a companion guide. The limitation is that it focuses entirely on ancient Egyptian writing. If your language education study goal is conversational skills, this won't help with speaking or listening. It is best for history-minded learners who want a guided course rather than an audio-only program.
Lot Of 12 Assorted Great Courses DVDs Math, Religion, Philosophy ETC - See Video
If you're building a home library, this lot gives you the most discs in this group. The twelve discs cover math, religion, philosophy, and other educational topics, so you get variety rather than one deep dive. The trade-off is condition: Good with scuffs, nicks, and blemishes. It is not a pristine collection, but it is in working shape. The tall DVD cases make it easy to store. Choose this when you want to sample multiple Great Courses subjects without committing to a single course. The limitation is that the exact title list is only shown in the video, so you need to be comfortable buying an assortment with a mixed lineup.
GREAT COURSES - BEING HUMAN - DVD video
This set takes a different angle on education: instead of a traditional language, it explores what it means to be human through twelve lectures on the frontiers of science. The focused format makes it an easy entry point if you're curious about Great Courses but not ready to commit to a long series. Robert Sapolsky leads the twelve lectures, and the 'life lessons from the frontiers of science' framing gives you a clear sense of the content. The limitation is scope: it is a single lecture series on human behavior, not a language course. If your language education study plan is strictly about learning Spanish or Hebrew, this won't move you toward that goal. For a thought-provoking study break, it works well.
Learn Spanish & Hebrew Fast -Complete & Comprehensive Language Course on 2 DVDs
This is the set in this group with the clearest focus on learning to speak a language. The two DVDs contain MP3 audio lessons and files, meaning you can listen without needing physical books. It works on a Windows platform, which is useful for computer-based playback. If your goal is practical speaking and listening practice in Spanish or Hebrew, this course puts both in one place. The limitation is that it is an MP3 audio-file course, so the learning experience centers on listening rather than reading along in a physical book. For self-directed learners who want portability, this is the most direct match.
Final Recommendation
If you want a single, structured course, the Egyptian hieroglyphs set is the clearest choice. If you want breadth and don't mind some wear, the assorted lot gives you the most subjects. If you're looking for a lecture series to explore human behavior, Being Human is the pick. And if your study goal is learning to speak Spanish and Hebrew, the Spanish and Hebrew course directly serves that purpose.
