Knoxville, Tennessee, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee is set to launch a distinctive history course utilizing the Grand Theft Auto video game series as a primary educational tool. Titled ‘Grand Theft America: U.S. History Since 1980 through the GTA Video Games’, the course aims to explore modern American history through themes like consumerism and political corruption. Professor Tore Olsson will lead the course, emphasizing video games as cultural artifacts that reflect real-world historical events. The course commences on January 20, 2026, and does not require gameplay from students.
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – The University of Tennessee will launch a groundbreaking history course titled “Grand Theft America: U.S. History Since 1980 through the GTA Video Games” on January 20, 2026. This unique course, developed and taught by history professor Tore Olsson, is the first of its kind to use the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) video game series as a primary educational tool.
The curriculum will explore modern American history through various themes such as consumerism, political corruption, the American Dream, and urban decay spanning the past 40 years. Professor Olsson emphasizes the importance of these games as cultural artifacts that reflect significant aspects of real-world history, particularly in relation to the narratives presented in the games.
Focusing on U.S. history from 1980 to the present, students will analyze the fictional narratives of GTA games as a framework for understanding historical events. By the end of the course, Professor Olsson hopes that students will develop a deeper understanding of both the games and the social, cultural, and political landscape of modern America.
Notably, gameplay will not be a requirement, and students are not obligated to own or play GTA games during the semester. Instead, the course will utilize game footage and specific segments during lectures to illustrate key historical concepts. Professor Olsson highlights that the satirical elements of the games provide commentary on various historical events from 1980 to the present.
Key topics that will be addressed in the course include significant historical events such as the L.A. Riots of 1992, which are referenced within the storyline of the GTA game “San Andreas.” The course aims to analyze how popular video games can shape perceptions of real-world issues and historical narratives.
The recent announcement from Rockstar Games regarding the delay of GTA 6 to May 2026 has implications for this course’s curriculum, as the course will utilize the existing games until then. Despite the humor and irreverence found in the GTA series, Professor Olsson intends to maintain a serious academic approach throughout the course, addressing the complexities of teaching through pop culture while tackling important subjects.
While other similar courses have previously been offered at universities, none have specifically centered on the GTA franchise in this manner. This initiative signifies a shift in academia, recognizing video games as valid subjects for higher education, reflective of changing cultural trends.
Moreover, fans of the GTA series are eagerly awaiting the upcoming release of GTA 6, which will bring renewed attention to the franchise and its potential relevance in future curation of coursework.
Background on Professor Tore Olsson
Professor Olsson gained prior experience teaching a course focused on Red Dead Redemption and is well-equipped to engage students through modern cultural mediums. His innovative approach aims to connect students to historical analysis in a contemporary context.
Course Details
The course will begin on January 20, 2026, at the University of Tennessee, providing a fresh and engaging means for students to learn about U.S. history through the lens of popular culture and media.
Conclusion
This innovative course represents an intersection of education, technology, and culture, highlighting how video games can be leveraged for academic inquiry and understanding modern American history.
FAQ
- What is the title of the course being offered? The course is titled “Grand Theft America: U.S. History Since 1980 through the GTA Video Games.”
- Who is teaching the course? The course is developed and taught by history professor Tore Olsson.
- When will the course start? The course will start on January 20, 2026.
- Will students need to play GTA games for this course? No, students are not required to own or play GTA games during the semester.
- What time period does the course cover? The course will focus on U.S. history from 1980 to the present.
- What major historical topic will be included? Important historical topics will include the L.A. Riots of 1992.
- Is this type of course common at universities? Previous similar courses have been offered, but none center specifically on the GTA franchise in this way.
Key Features of the Course
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Grand Theft America: U.S. History Since 1980 through the GTA Video Games |
| Instructor | History Professor Tore Olsson |
| Start Date | January 20, 2026 |
| Focus | U.S. History from 1980 to Present |
| Gameplay Requirement | No gameplay required, video segments will be shown |
| Key Historical Topics | L.A. Riots of 1992 and consumerism, political corruption, the American Dream, urban decay |
| Course Objective | Analyze modern American history through GTA lens |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Hypebeast: University of Tennessee Offers GTA History Class
- IGN: We Got a GTA College History Class Before GTA 6
- TheGamer: University of Tennessee Offering GTA History Class
- GamesHub: GTA 6 College Course Announced
- GameRant: GTA History Class Offered at University
- Wikipedia: Grand Theft Auto
- Google Search: Grand Theft Auto History Class
- Google Scholar: Grand Theft Auto in Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Theft Auto
- Google News: GTA History Course
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