Summary
The University of Tennessee is launching a college course in January 2026 that teaches U.S. history since 1980 using Grand Theft Auto games.
Professor Tore Olsson will lead the class, offering students a unique way to explore modern American history before GTA 6 releases.
Fans waiting for GTA 6 now have a chance to dive into the history behind the series—but in a college classroom. The University of Tennessee is introducing a brand-new course focused on Grand Theft Auto, taught by Professor Tore Olsson.
A GTA Class Before GTA 6
The course, titled Grand Theft America: U.S. History Since 1980 through the GTA Video Games, will begin on January 20, 2026. The idea behind the class is to use GTA’s storylines and satire to take a closer look at real American history from the 1980s to the present day.
Olsson is no stranger to Rockstar games. He previously released Red Dead History, an audiobook about the history reflected in Red Dead Redemption. That book was even narrated by Roger Clark, the actor who voiced Arthur Morgan. It gained a lot of attention, and now he’s bringing the same approach to GTA.
Students will attend the world’s first GTA history class at University of Tennessee on January 20, 2026.
— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) September 19, 2025
The class will use GTA games as a window for understanding the social, political, economic, and cultural transformations that reshaped the United States since 1980. pic.twitter.com/4ta5REaX4Y
GTA 6 Delay Affects the Course
According to Olsson, he had originally planned to include GTA 6 in his class lessons. When Rockstar announced that the game—initially expected in late 2025—was delayed to May 2026, that plan had to change. He joked that it’s funny how fans now have a GTA history class before actually having GTA 6 in their hands. He also admitted he hopes the new release date doesn’t clash with final exams, since students might be too distracted to study.
Why GTA Fits This Approach
In an interview, Olsson explained why he chose GTA as his teaching tool. He believes Rockstar puts enormous detail into its games and has a unique interest in commenting on American society, politics, and culture. Through games like GTA, Red Dead Redemption, and even L.A. Noire, Rockstar often showcases “the strangeness of the American experiment.”
Possible Audiobook in the Future
For people who may not be able to attend his classes in person, Olsson revealed that he is considering an audiobook version of Grand Theft America. While he did not confirm a release window, fans of both gaming and history may have something to look forward to soon.
In the end, one thing is clear: gamers got a GTA college course before finally getting GTA 6.