The article discusses some changes in the world of knowledge that contribute to the formation of
cultural studies. It outlines the views of Western authors(M. Foucault, F. Jamieson) about the
blurring of disciplinary boundaries, in line with which the emergence of cultural discourse can be
interpreted. The article presents the opinion of E. V. Sokolov, a national culturologist, explaining
the reasons and necessity of constituting a new academic discipline in the system of education.
Particular attention is paid to the process of culturology formation at St. Petersburg State
University, implemented as an educational program in the field of philosophy. Presents the
fundamental textbooks and teaching materials on cultural studies written by the faculty of the
Institute of Philosophy. The conclusion dwells upon the that cultural studies as a science,
discipline and educational program, and the ways of its further development are outlined.