In an unprecedented academic move, an American university will launch a history course centered around the Grand Theft Auto video game series beginning in early 2026. This marks the first time a history department has built an entire college course around Grand Theft Auto, though it follows previous academic explorations of other Rockstar Games titles.

Throughout its evolution, the Grand Theft Auto franchise has transported players across various decades of American history, from the 1960s to contemporary settings. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City immersed players in the vibrant 1980s, while San Andreas captured the essence of the 1990s. This chronological diversity positions the series as a unique cultural artifact that offers players semi-realistic fictional portrayals of life in different eras. It was precisely this historical dimension that inspired a university professor to develop an accredited course around the games.

The University of Tennessee will introduce "Grand Theft America: U.S. History Since 1980 through the GTA Video Games" in January 2026. The course will be led by history professor Tore Olsson, who previously gained attention for his innovative course examining American history through the lens of Red Dead Redemption. In discussions with IGN, Olsson revealed that the course will seriously engage with GTA's interpretation of American history, using it as a framework to explore the social, political, economic, and cultural changes that have reshaped the United States over the past four decades.

Professor Olsson emphasizes that American history comprises distinct eras, and the Grand Theft Auto games provide valuable snapshots of each period's cultural landscape. While acknowledging the games' satirical nature and frequent parodies of reality, Olsson appreciates their accurate depictions of certain historical elements. The course will examine how the series' radio stations reflect increasing political polarization over time and how San Andreas references real-world events like the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Students won't need to purchase or play the games themselves, as the class will utilize recorded gameplay and screenshots, with occasional live demonstrations by the professor.

The course will notably exclude Grand Theft Auto 6, as the game's May 2026 release date falls after the class begins. Olsson initially designed the curriculum to include GTA 6 when it was scheduled for late 2025, but adjusted his plans following the game's delay. The professor intends to update the course to incorporate the latest installment once it becomes available, ensuring the curriculum remains current with the evolving franchise.

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