Beginning this January, the University of Tennessee in Knoxville is introducing an innovative American history course centered around the iconic Grand Theft Auto game series. Initially, the curriculum was set to incorporate the upcoming GTA 6, but its rescheduled release to May 26, 2026, means the game`s inclusion will be considered for a future iteration of the class.
Grand Theft America: A Unique Lens for Historical Study
Professor Tore Olsson, a history lecturer, discussed the new course, officially titled “Grand Theft America: US History Since 1980 through the GTA Video Games,” in an interview. He highlighted the significant influence popular video games can exert on our perceptions of reality, citing examples like how `Ghost of Tsushima` shapes views on feudal Japan.
“The primary focus of this class is American history, with GTA serving as a dynamic lens through which we explore the past. My hope is that after the class, students will never look at these games, or modern America, the same again.”
Delving into Key Historical Moments via San Andreas
Among the GTA titles, Professor Olsson expressed particular enthusiasm for utilizing `San Andreas` as an educational resource due to its fictionalized Los Angeles setting. He noted that many will recognize the game`s narrative echoes of the Los Angeles Riots of April and May 1992, a pivotal yet frequently misinterpreted event in modern U.S. history.
A core objective of his course is to elucidate the origins and profound implications of this turbulent period.
Accessibility and Precedent in Gaming-Based Education
Despite the course`s focus, students are not required to own or play the GTA games themselves. Professor Olsson clarified that he wishes to avoid imposing a financial strain, opting instead to present gameplay demonstrations during lectures. He posits that this specific college history course is groundbreaking, noting that only Wilfred Laurier University in Canada previously offered a GTA-themed class, which was not historically oriented.
This isn`t Professor Olsson`s inaugural venture into integrating popular video game franchises into history lessons. He previously employed the Red Dead Redemption series to explore U.S. history spanning the years 1899 to 1911, demonstrating a consistent and innovative approach to teaching.
Anticipating the future, Rockstar Games projects that GTA 6 will achieve the `largest game launch in history,` a prediction that aligns with industry expectations. Last year, Circana analyst Mat Piscatella suggested that GTA 6 might become the single most significant release for the entire gaming industry, underscoring the immense cultural and economic impact of the franchise.