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

French

German

Japanese

Spanish

Arabic

Chinese

Italian

Portuguese

Latin

Russian

Humanities

Linguistic Studies

M.A.T
Graduate Programs

Teaching Licensure

Faculty & Staff

Study Abroad

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

Following a dedication ceremony, Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, center, retired Lt. Gen. Keith M. Huber, third from left on the front row, and Daniels Veterans Center Director Hilary Miller, front row, second from right, take a group photo on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, with MTSU women’s volleyball team members in front of the newly unveiled World War II Memorial located just outside the office of team coach Alexa Keckler in Alumni Memorial Gym, or AMG, on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The gym was named in honor of veterans who lost their lives in World War II. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

Legacy of service lives on with newly unveiled World War II Memorial at MTSU

At Middle Tennessee State University, a walk into Alumni Memorial Gym now offers a glimpse into a chapter of campus history that began over 80 years ago and set the stage for strong ties to the military that remain today.[ Read More ]

A collage of two buildings and three students, one staff member.

At MTSU, Central Magnet’s top high school grads continue pursuit of excellence

At Middle Tennessee State University, some of Rutherford County’s highest-achieving students are finding an opportunity to continue the academic excellence they developed at Central Magnet School — recently named the nation’s top high school for this year.[ Read More ]