the department of english offers the degrees of master of arts (with coursework, major research paper, or thesis) and doctor of philosophy in english. both programs equip students to pursue advanced studies in british, canadian, or american literature informed by a broad knowledge of literary history and by recent developments in literary criticism and cultural theory. the department is well known for its annual canadian literature symposium, and its faculty is distinguished and well-published. the ontario council on graduate studies (ocgs) has consistently awarded the department the council's highest rating.