An American university is set to launch a Grand Theft Auto history course in early 2026, marking a first for academia. This course will now examine history through the lens of the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series, blending virtual narratives with reality.

In January 2026, the University of Tennessee will offer a course titled Grand Theft America: U.S. History Since 1980 through the GTA Video Games. Led by professor Tore Olsson, who has previously explored American history in the context of Red Dead Redemption, this course aims to carefully analyze how the GTA games frame U.S. history over the past 45 years.

Olsson indicated that the course aims to use GTA as a framework for understanding significant social, political, and cultural shifts in the U.S. since 1980. While the course acknowledges the satirical and often exaggerated nature of the games, it will leverage them as valuable historical artifacts, allowing students to grasp a creative yet reflective view of American life through various eras.

Unfortunately, the anticipated GTA 6, which has been delayed to May 2026, will not be included in the curriculum this time around, but Olsson expressed intentions to update the class after its release.