University of Tennessee Launches Groundbreaking Grand Theft Auto History Class

In a move that solidifies the academic recognition of video games as a cultural and historical medium, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has announced a new college history course centered on the Grand Theft Auto series. The class, titled “Grand Theft America: U.S. History Since 1980 through the GTA Video Games,” will be taught by Professor Tore Olsson, a historian who has previously gained acclaim for his course on American history using Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption series. This groundbreaking class is set to begin on January 20, 2026, months before the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6.

Professor Olsson has clarified that this is a serious academic course, not a “fandom meetup.” The goal is to use the satirical and detailed worlds of Liberty City, Vice City, and Los Santos as a framework for understanding real-world American history. The syllabus will explore major themes such as the rise of deregulation in the 1980s, the Los Angeles riots of the 1990s, the impact of post-9/11 security culture, and the role of mass media and politics in shaping public opinion. The course is designed to be an exploration of how pop culture, and specifically video games, both reflect and shape our perception of modern America. Students are not required to own or play any of the games; the professor will use curated gameplay clips and academic readings to guide the discussion. This approach makes the class accessible and focuses the learning on historical analysis rather than on game mechanics.

Analyzing the Curriculum: What Will Students Learn?

The curriculum of “Grand Theft America” is a fascinating blend of historical analysis and popular culture. Professor Olsson plans to use the games’ in-world narratives and satirical elements to open up conversations about complex social and political issues. Here is a look at what the course will cover:

• The 1980s: By using Grand Theft Auto: Vice City as a lens, the class will examine the culture of the 1980s, including the rise of the drug trade, the obsession with consumerism, and the political climate of the era. The game’s radio stations, which feature satirical talk shows and period-specific music, will serve as primary sources for understanding the decade’s cultural shifts.
• The 1990s: The course will delve into Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to explore the events of the early 1990s, including the LA riots. The game’s depiction of racial tensions, police corruption, and gang culture will be used to analyze the historical context of these events. This will be a key component of the course, as Professor Olsson believes it’s a widely misunderstood period in American history.
• The 2000s and Beyond: Later installments like Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto V will be used to explore post-9/11 security culture, the 2008 financial crisis, and the modern satire of social media and technology. The games’ open worlds will provide a backdrop for discussions on urban sprawl, gentrification, and the role of corporate power in modern society.

GTA 6 and the Future of the Course

One of the most notable details about the course is its timing: it will start months before the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. Professor Olsson had originally planned for the new game to be a part of the syllabus, but the game’s official delay to May 26, 2026, meant that the class would not be able to incorporate it. However, the professor has stated that he plans to update the curriculum in subsequent semesters to include the new game, which is expected to be a major cultural and commercial event. This flexibility demonstrates the forward-thinking nature of the course and its ability to adapt to new content and new historical events as they unfold.

The establishment of this course is a powerful moment for the gaming industry. It shows that video games have moved from a marginal form of entertainment to a mainstream medium worthy of serious academic study. The course uses a game that has a long history of controversy and criticism for its violence to teach students about the very real history that inspired it. This is a testament to the complex, layered nature of the Grand Theft Auto series and its lasting impact on popular culture. The course’s existence will undoubtedly generate significant discussion and is a central topic for news and a source of highly competitive high-CPC keywords for the education and gaming sectors.