A simple algebraic derivation of the covariant anomaly and Schwinger term

An expression for the curvature of the "covariant" determinant line bundle is given in even-dimensional space-time. The usefulness is guaranteed by it s prediction of the covariant anomaly and Schwinger term. It allows a paral lel derivation of the consistent anomaly and Schwinger term, and their cova riant counterparts, which clarifies the similarities and differences betwee n them. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0022-2488(99)01010-5].