This is really interesting Kenneth. I certainly do not think being emotional implies being uncivil. The articles challenge us to be “as we are”, and if that means being emotional (as we all are) then so be it; but we should NOT assume that entering a classroom involves leaving out emotion at the door. However, that being said, people are going to be people, and students can often mis-understand “emotion” if placed on a syllabus. I would like to see examples of how we can talk about emotion positively in our syllabi without implying “uncivil”.
Your case on architecture is something to think about; fascinating, particularly your statement, “Just because there is no outward emotion does not mean the idea is flimsy or weak”. Too often we conflate “emotion” with “weakness”. Thanks.