University of Tennessee Launches History Course on Grand Theft Auto

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has unveiled a groundbreaking new history course dedicated entirely to the iconic Grand Theft Auto video game franchise. The course invites students to explore 20th- and 21st-century American history by analyzing the worlds, narratives, and characters of Rockstar Games’ best-selling series.

Course Concept and Approach

The course, titled “Grand Theft Auto: History,” was announced by Tore Olsson, an associate professor in the university’s Department of History. Designed for upper-level undergraduates, the class combines gameplay, reading, and writing assignments to examine the GTA series through a historical lens.

Its main goal is to help students investigate modern U.S. history using the cultural commentary embedded in titles such as GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas, GTA IV, and GTA V.

Topics Covered

The curriculum spans a wide range of topics reflected in the games’ storylines and settings, including:

• The growing influence of the American South
• Deindustrialization and urban decline
• The war on drugs
• Racial inequality and immigration
• Neoliberalism and the 2008 financial crisis

According to Olsson, who spoke to IGN, creating such a course had been a dream of his for years.

Student Reception

The course announcement quickly went viral on social media, and registration filled up within minutes of opening. The overwhelming interest highlights the growing popularity of using video games as educational tools to examine history and society.

Importantly, the class doesn’t just allow students to play GTA — it challenges them to critically assess how faithfully (or inaccurately) the series portrays American historical realities.

Previous Work by Professor Olsson

This isn’t Olsson’s first foray into video game–based history courses. He previously taught a class on American history through Red Dead Redemption, which was accompanied by his book“Red Dead’s History” and an audiobook version narrated by Roger Clark, the actor who famously portrayed Arthur Morgan in the game.

A Unique Intersection of Gaming and History

With its combination of interactive media and historical scholarship, “Grand Theft Auto: History” represents a fresh and innovative approach to teaching. By using one of gaming’s most influential franchises as a lens, students gain a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and economic forces that have shaped modern America.