Knoxville, Tennessee, October 14, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will introduce a groundbreaking course titled ‘Grand Theft America: U.S. History since 1980 Through the GTA Video Games.’ Scheduled to begin in January 2026, the course explores contemporary American history via the lens of the popular Grand Theft Auto video game franchise. Led by Associate Professor Tore Olsson, the class will cover various societal issues and significant historical events, engaging students not only in the content but also in critical discussions about the impact of these themes in America today.
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — The University of Tennessee at Knoxville is set to offer a pioneering course titled “Grand Theft America: U.S. History since 1980 Through the GTA Video Games”, with classes beginning in January 2026. This innovative course will provide students with the opportunity to explore 40 years of U.S. history and culture through the lens of the popular Grand Theft Auto (GTA) video game franchise.
Associate Professor Tore Olsson, who will lead the course, emphasizes that the class is structured as a serious academic investigation rather than an endorsement of violence often associated with the games. The aim is to engage students in discussions about contemporary American history and to illuminate how various societal issues have developed over time.
Throughout the semester, students will investigate a variety of topics including emerging technologies, capitalism, immigration, the media landscape, drugs, and significant events such as the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. By using the fictional landscapes of Liberty City, Vice City, and Los Santos, the course will frame discussions that connect real historical events with virtual experiences found within the game.
Olsson is known for his creative approach to integrating video games into academic discourse. He previously gained attention with a class that utilized “Red Dead Redemption 2” to explore historical themes, which was later adapted into a book titled “Red Dead’s History: A Video Game, an Obsession, and America’s Violent Past.” His methodologies reflect a growing trend in academia that embraces popular culture as a means to make serious subjects more accessible and engaging.
The upcoming course has been designed without any prerequisites, meaning it will be open to all students, including both seasoned gamers and individuals who may not have prior experience with the franchise. This inclusive approach aims to foster a diverse classroom environment where various perspectives on history can flourish.
The timing of the course aligns with the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6, expected on May 26, 2026, marking the first major installment in the series since 2013. Olsson plans to integrate various forms of gaming content, such as footage and screenshots, into lectures to foster a richer learning experience. However, students will not be required to play the games, allowing for a focus on critical engagement with the material.
Olsson is committed to maintaining a professional classroom atmosphere, distinct from casual gaming experiences, and believes that students’ passion for video games can catalyze an appreciation for the historical content presented in class. This course will not only highlight the connections between gaming and history but will also encourage discussions around the societal divisions present in America and the underlying factors contributing to these divisions.
In conclusion, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville’s new course reflects an evolving academic landscape where video games are increasingly viewed as valuable tools for education, helping students to connect history with contemporary issues in an engaging manner.
FAQ
What is the new course offered by the University of Tennessee?
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville will offer a new course titled “Grand Theft America: U.S. History since 1980 Through the GTA Video Games” beginning in January 2026.
Who will teach the course?
The course will be taught by Associate Professor Tore Olsson.
What topics will the course cover?
Students will explore topics such as emerging technologies, capitalism, immigration, the media landscape, drugs, and the 1992 Los Angeles Riots.
Is there a requirement to play the video games for the course?
No, playing the games is not a requirement for the students.
What is the significance of the course content?
The course is designed to help students understand societal divisions in America and the factors contributing to them while making contemporary history engaging through video games.
Key Features of the Course
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Grand Theft America: U.S. History since 1980 Through the GTA Video Games |
| Start Date | January 2026 |
| Instructor | Associate Professor Tore Olsson |
| Topics Covered | Emerging technologies, capitalism, immigration, media landscape, drugs, 1992 Los Angeles Riots |
| Prerequisites | No prerequisites; open to all students |
| Gaming Requirement | No requirement to play the games |
| Course Aim | Engagement with societal divisions in America and understanding contemporary history |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Knox News
- Wikipedia: Grand Theft Auto
- IGN
- Google Search: Grand Theft Auto history course
- Complex
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Video Game
- GamesHub
- Google Scholar: Grand Theft Auto college course
- Inven Global
- Google News: University of Tennessee GTA
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