Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Welcome to your Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures!

The job market in Tennessee and beyond is increasingly interconnected across languages and cultures. Our department offers dynamic, career-enhancing degree programs designed to help you stand out in a wide range of professions.

Take advantage of our free online language placement test, which can instantly award you up to 12 credits at no cost—saving you valuable time and money. Our courses are designed to empower students, not only by building strong language skills but also by fostering leadership, teamwork, and intercultural understanding in a welcoming learning environment.

We invite you to explore all the information on this site, and we look forward to welcoming you into our classes!

For any questions, please contact us at: olaf.berwald@mtsu.edu

Olaf Berwald, Ph.D.

Chair, Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures


Contact Us

Mailing Address:
Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Middle Tennessee State University, Box 79
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132 

Main Office: 
BDA 301
Telephone:  (615) 898-2981
Fax:            (615) 898-5735

Department Chair: 
Dr. Olaf Berwald   
Olaf.Berwald@mtsu.edu 
(615) 898-2982 

Executive Assistant:
Charlie Vick  
Charlie.Vick@mtsu.edu
(615) 898-5728

Language Placement Test

MTSU News

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Stand almost anywhere on the MTSU campus, and you’ll likely see the phrase “I am True Blue” at least once on a nearby sign, light pole banner, or garment. It’s printed on every student and staff ID card. It’s part of the name of several campus services and initiatives, including True Blue Core, True Blue [ Read More ]

From left, Middle Tennessee State University students Rennee Tetteh, Ella Russell, Justin McNaught, Julia Marcella, Kevin Peralta, Betty Remy and Michelle Halman, pose for a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, during a study abroad experience. The students were immersed in French language, culture and history through MTSU's faculty-led Summer in Normandy study abroad program, June 22-July 12, 2026. (Submitted photo)

MTSU students build language skills, independence through immersive study abroad in France

Seven Middle Tennessee State University students spent three weeks immersed in French language, culture and history this summer through MTSU's faculty-led Summer in Normandy study abroad program.[ Read More ]