Abstract: Discipline, the basic component of human knowledge system, is the result of the continuous development of scientific knowledge and the deepening division of disciplines. With the advent of modernity, research universities, modern university systems, and discipline systems have been established. As a product of modernity, discipline has a variety of functions. Meanwhile, the development of disciplines is confronted with such realistic dilemmas as the stratification of organizational structure of disciplines, cataloguing of the discipline professional management, utilitarianism of production of disciplines knowledge, standardization of personnel training, the symbolization of disciplines and professional diplomas, and the quantification of discipline evaluation. Therefore, to achieve high-level governance and sustainable development of the discipline, it is urgent to adjust the organization system, break down the barriers, improve the management system, and optimize the evaluation system.

Key words: discipline, modernity, knowledge production, discipline development