Courses on New World Negro societies and communities are, of course, just as valuable in illustrating anthropological concepts as are area courses surveying North American Indians, but anthropology departments have been reluctant to introduce these courses. Afro-American studies could be a valuable extension of anthropology offerings by: 1) helping to avoid the bias against studying societies which are culturally close to home; 2) encouraging the recently developed interest in urban anthropology; 3) affording an opportunity for meaningful field work experience in nearby ethnic communities; and, 4) providing an opportunity to study a culturally similar community so that we learn more about ourselves as anthropologists. Anthropology could contribute significantly to the students' understanding of Afro-American studies as well. Perhaps the most valuable contribution is its cross-cultural perspective. Another would be a more sophisticated understanding of the concept of culture, so that a better definition of "black culture" could emerge. An Afro-American anthropology course which doesn't pander to emotional political needs can result in giving black students a sense of pride in their race, and also enable white students to recognize the prevalence of institutionalized racism in this country. Both blacks and whites have a role in teaching Afro-American anthropology. (Author/JLB)