Primary sources in religion and history enable first year university students to connect "content-based" linked courses in the core curriculum. Fifty-four first year university students in three separate pairs of courses worked in teams to present oral critical reports on texts related to the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the Modern Era: themes intersecting religion and history. Critical thinking skills equipped students to address content while team collaboration enabled both textual comprehension and formation of academic community. Both sets of skills informed related writing assignments. The overall learning experience facilitated development of intellectual connections between the two courses (a primary goal of linked courses). Greater clarity in assignments and more time in the linked course format would enhance the learning experience.